By Abiola Olawale
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has responded sharply to critics pressing him to evaluate President Bola Tinubu’s administration following massive criticism that he has been sitting on the fence.
This is as Soyinka asserted that he will not be dictated by anyone’s timetable on when to criticize the Tinubu’s administration or evaluate it.
Soyinka, who spoke during an interview with Channels Television, defended his silence on the current administration, emphasizing his independence as a commentator and thinker.
Soyinka, a renowned playwright and activist argued that his role is not to provide running commentary on every administration but to speak when he deems it necessary and impactful.
Soyinka’s remarks come as public discourse intensifies over the Tinubu administration’s policies, with many Nigerians questioning the literary icon’s reluctance to weigh in, accusing him of hypocrisy.
However, Soyinka asserted: “People should stop trying to work on my timetable for me.
“I had not swallowed an alarm clock. I don’t see why I should put my alarm on and say: ‘One year has passed, now, I must make an assessment’ if there is nothing I feel like talking about and if I am busy elsewhere.
“This business of ‘you haven’t come to do this’, I don’t understand it. Other people are doing the same; this is a collective effort. The Falanas speak consistently. The Baiyewus speak consistently. The Sowores come out and try to lead demonstrations. It’s a collective effort.
“The one year is up, which means you have a right, and I have a responsibility to respond when you call me on certain issues. But if you are saying that I would call a press conference and say: ‘One year is up, let us now make an assessment’.
“The only question I’d ask you is: ‘Did I do that with Jonathan?’ Did I do that with Buhari?’ ‘Did I do that with Obasanjo?’ ‘Did I do that with anybody? So, why is it expected of me?
“All it means is that one year is up. If I am around, and you want to get hold of me, I would speak. That’s all that statement meant.”
